Leading into the new school year 21st Century Fox and Give a Note Foundation came together once again to present a new grant opportunity for 20 schools. The “MusicEd Idol” competition was announced last July, and schools were invited to submit nominations for “Music Education Idols” who inspired them to dream big and follow their passion for music.
Students, parents, and the general public nominated music educators by completing a short application and including a video testimonial describing how the music teacher inspired them to discover their creative potential. The stories were definitely inspiring. The influence of music educators around the nation made a positive impression on many students, and the bright light these teachers have been in their students’ lives was apparent.
Following is the list of the 20 “MusicEd Idols” whose school music programs will receive $1,000 grants courtesy of 21st Century Fox and Give a Note Foundation:
Rosa Rabinovich, N. S. Edelcup Sunny Isles Beach K-8, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
Lynette Carr-Hicks, Uniondale High School, Uniondale, New York
Rich Guillen, Arlington High School, LaGrangeville , New York
Daryl Yasay, West Orange High School, Winter Garden, Florida
Kendra Martin, Lilla G. Frederick Pilot Middle School, Boston, Massachusetts
Brian Langdon, Boyertown High School , Boyertown, Pennsylvania
Jennifer Jimenez, South Miami Senior High School, Miami , Florida
Deb Schaaf, Jane Addams Middle School, Seattle, Washington
Lori Lovell, Maitland Middle School, Maitland, Florida
Colin O'Dwyer, James Otis Elementary School, Boston, Massachusetts
Mitzi Lundy, Elzie D. Patton Elementary School, Mt. Juliet, Tennessee
Christopher Hanson, San Marcos High School, San Marcos, Texas
Bridget P. Speranza, Munster High School, Munster, Indiana
Daniel E. Graf, Eastport South Manor High School, Manorville, New York
Emmanuel Toledo, Ninth Grade Academy, Lawrence HS, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Benjamin Davis, East Aurora Middle School, East Aurora, New York
Jesse Espinosa, Waltrip High School, Houston, Texas
Ryan Solero, Tenth Grade Academy, Lawrence HS, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Lorrie Turner, Irmo Middle School, Irmo, South Carolina
Greg Monsma, Butler High School, Louisville, Kentucky
This latest round of grants continues a five-year collaborative relationship supporting music education between Give a Note Foundation and 21st Century Fox.
“Give a Note appreciates the continued support of 21st Century Fox to reach more students in more schools with the power of music,” said Jane Mell Balek, Give a Note Chief Executive Officer. “This is a wonderful opportunity to shine a spotlight on great music programs, which benefit students in all U.S. schools. These stories cannot be told enough, and the Foundation encourages communities to support their local school’s music programs and the teachers who make them possible.”
Since 2011, 21st Century Fox businesses have donated more than $1 million to underfunded music programs in schools across the country, as part of the company’s commitment to support the next generation of artists and creators.
“We were so inspired by the students who submitted nominations and the music educators who motivate them every day to work hard and achieve their dreams,” said Shira Oberlander, Executive Director of Social Impact for 21st Century Fox. “We are thrilled to support these teachers in their work to make a difference in students’ lives.”
Of the 20 winning music educators, these five have been selected to attend the 2016 NAfME National In-Service Conference (November 10-13) in Grapevine, TX, as VIP guests and will take part in a panel discussion on how to help students reach their full potential:
Individuals are encouraged to continue sharing their own stories on their personal social media channels such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, using the hashtag #MusicEdIdol.
To learn more about Give a Note Foundation, visit http://www.giveanote.org. To learn more about 21st Century Fox Social Impact, visit impact.21CF.com.
About Give a Note Foundation
Since 2011, Give a Note Foundation has conducted national awareness campaigns and raised funds to support and strengthen music education programs across the U.S. The programs have reached millions of parents and students and provided more than $1.2 million in direct grants to schools. Learn more about Give a Note Foundation Help give the gift of music! Text “MusicEd GAN” to 20222 to donate $10! Message & Data Rates May Apply. Details: http://www.giveanote.org/donate
About 21st Century Fox
21st Century Fox is the world's premier portfolio of cable, broadcast, film, pay TV and satellite assets spanning six continents across the globe. Reaching more than 1.8 billion subscribers in approximately 50 local languages every day, 21st Century Fox is home to a global portfolio of cable and broadcasting networks and properties, including FOX, FX, FXX, FXM, FS1, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, FOX Sports, Fox Sports Networks, National Geographic Partners, STAR India, 28 local television stations in the U.S. and more than 350 international channels; film studio Twentieth Century Fox Film; and television production studios Twentieth Century Fox Television and a 50% ownership interest in Endemol Shine Group. The Company also holds a 39.1% ownership interest in Sky, Europe’s leading entertainment company, which serves 21 million customers across five countries. For more information about 21st Century Fox, please visit http://www.21CF.com.